Dual tripping characteristic for recloser



Oct. 6, 1964 E. .1. FIELD ETAL DUAL TRIPPING cHARAcTERrs'rIc Foa REcLosER Filed sept. 22. 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 1 vozwsw u WSS S562 Oct. 6, 1964 E. J. FIELD 'E1-AL 3,152,286

DUA; TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC Foa REcLosER Filedlsept. 22. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 lef-61,0554@ 0ct. 6, 1964 E. .LFIELD ETAL 3,152,286

DUAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC FOR RECLOSER Filed sept. 22. 1960 v sheets-sheet s FI G A..

Oct. 6, 1964 E. J. FIELD ETAL 3,152,286

DUAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC FOR RECLOSER Filed Sept. 22. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 w f6.4 afee 6 /a' INVENToRs jfl/Hirn F/fza 0d 6, 1964 v'E'. J. FIELD ETAL DUAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC FOR RECLOSER Filed Sept. 22. 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet, 5

Oct. 6, 1964 E. J. FIELD ETAL DUAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC FOR RECLOSER Filed Sept. 22, 1960 F.r-E. E-

'7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS Oct. 6, 1964 E.J.F1ELD ETAL DUAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC FOR RECLOSER Filed sept. 22. 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 United States Patent 3,152,286 DUAL TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC FR RECLSER Everett il. Field, Jeannette, and Gerald B. Mooney,

Greensburg, Pa., assignors to l-T-E Circuit Breaker Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Filed Sept. 22, 1960, Ser. No. 57,840 19 Claims. (Cl. 317-22) rl`his invention relates to automatic reclosers in general and more particularly to reclosers having means whereby the tripping characteristic thereof may automatically be selected.

In electric distribution systems, especially in rural areas, circuit interrupters of the automatic reclosing type are often employed. When a circuit breaker of this type is subjected to a fault current the breaker opens and thereafter goes through one yor more sequenced closing operations in accordance with conditions prevailing. If the fault condition persists, after the closing sequence is complete the circuit breaker will open once more and lock open, but if the fault has cleared during the sequence interval the circuit breaker remains closed and resets to initial condition.

Thus, if a persisting fault occurs close to the power station, those sections of the distribution system more remote from the power station than the locked open recloser will be without power. Since most faults are the result of a localized condition, if this condition can be isolated the remainder of the system can be safely energized.

The prior art has sought to provide means for isolating a faulted section of line while restoring service to the remainder of the system. The prior art devices required fault sensing equipment which included differential relays or semi-conductor devices operating on a phase comparison basis or by means of oscillation detection. These systems were costly to install, required extensive maintenance, and could not be reliably operated under differing climatic conditions.

Accordingly, this invention provides an automatic loop sectionalizing system utilizing automatic reclosers to isolate the faulted section of line. In the system contemplated by this invention two bus sections are fed from separate sources of electrical energy. The ends of the buses remote from the energizing sources are connected to a normally open automatic tie recloser which when closed connects the buses in electrical series. A plurality of automatic reclosers each having dual tripping characteristics are provided between the ends of each bus and are connected so as to divide each bus into a plurality of sections.

By dual tripping characteristics it is meant that the recloser is provided with a normal tripping characteristic and an alternate tripping characteristic. The `normal tripping characteristic is of the type well known to the art whereby the reclosers associated with each bus are arranged for sequential tripping in a manner such that the recloser most remote from the energizing source will trip after the shortest time delay. The alternate tripping characteristic is such that the reclosers of one bus section cooperate with the reclosers of the other bus section as well as with the tie circuit breaker, when the tie circuit breaker is closed, for sequential tripping whereby the recloser most remote from the energizing source trips after the shortest time delay. If any recloser in a bus section remains open for a suicient period of time the other reclosers in that section more remote from the energizing source than the open recloser have the tripping time characteristic thereof automatically shifted to 3,152,286 Patented Oct. 6, 1964 liceg their alternate tripping characteristics and the normally open tie recloser is automatically closed.

The means for shifting a recloser from its normal to its alternate tripping characteristic comprises a device held in a ready position when energized. Typically this device comprises an energy storing means held inactive by an energized solenoid. Upon de-energization of the solenoid, the energy storing means acting against a time delay mechanism moves an operating link to a position in which the recloser is set to its alternate tripping characteristic.

Perhaps the mostsimple form of alternate tripping characteristic is that in which the recloser automatically locks open after a single tripping operation. For this arrangement, the operating link is tied to a safety lockout lever of a type described in U.S. Patent No. 2,843,699 to D. L. Leatherberry. j

The tie recloser is normally in a position wherein the safety lockout lever has been activated and the recloser locked in the open position. The loss of voltage sensing means is arranged to deactivate the safety lockout lever so that the recloser will automatically reclose.

In addition to utilizing the safety lockoutfeature as a means for establishing an alternate tripping characteristie, the recloser may be equipped with dual control coils, dual control switches, dual timing devices and integrators of two sets of miscellaneous parts. In effect this type of recloser is comprised -of two reclosers having individually adjustable time current characteristics and sequences. Selection of operation under the normal or alternate tripping characteristic is accomplished by a rating selector switch operable by the operating link of the loss of voltage sensing device previously described.

Another means for providing an alternate tripping characteristic is to provide a device which introduces additional retarding leaf springs in association with the recloser control solenoid. Still another method is to selectively decrease the ampere turns of the reloser solenoid coil. Yet another method is to provide means for altering the reluctance of the control solenoid iron circuit.

A further method is to provide a clutch means to shift the mechanism for operation in cooperation with restraining springs having different characteristics. A still further method is to provide means for adding or subtracting a timer mechanical ywheel.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide a novel automatic recloser having dual tripping characteristics and means for selecting the operating characteristics of the recloser at a particular time.

Another object is to provide an automatic recloser having dual timing and integrator elements whichcontrol a common interrupting means and a rating selector means for choosing which of the timing devices and integrators is to be utilized.

Still another object is to provide a recloser having means for automatically inserting or removing means restraining movement of the recloser control solenoid plunger.

A. further object is to provide a recloser having means for automatically varying the ampere turns of the recloser control coil or for varying the reluctance of the iron circuit associated with the control coil.

A still further object is to provide a recloser having ynovel means whereby the speed of the recloser timer may be varied.

The foregoing objects as well as other objects of this invention shall become readily apparent after reading the following description of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a schematic diagram of a type of automatic recloser utilized yfor the subject invention.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic illustrating a loop sectionsnaar-:se

:9 alizing arrangement in which the power line is divided into four sections.

FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustrating a loop sectionalizing arrangement in which the power line is divided into six sections.

FIGURES 4 and 4A are schematics illustrating a sequence changing device actuated in response to a loss of Voltage for changing the recloser from its normal tripping characteristic to an alternate tripping characteristic. With the device in the position of FIGURE 4, the recloser is operable in accordance with its normal tripping characteristic, whereas with the device in the position of FIG- URE 4A, the recloser is set for operation with its alternate tripping characteristic.

FIGURES 5 and 5A are schematics illustrating a modification of the device of FIGURES 4 and 4A. The device of FIGURES 5 and 5A is utilized for operating the tie recloser to a closed position upon a loss of voltage. With the device in the position of FIGURE 5, the tie recloser is locked open, and with the device in the position of FIGURE 5A, the tie recloser is conditioned for operation through a reclosing sequence.

FIGURES 6 through 11 are schematics illustrating means for providing reclosers with dual tripping characteristics. In the device of FIGURE 6, this is achieved by providing two timing mechanisms and two integrators as well as two sets of operating controls for an individual recloser. In the devices of FIGURES 7 and 8, means are provided for altering the spring resistance of the time bar. In FIGURE 7, a dual time bar is provided, while in FIGURE 8, a single time bar is utilized. In FIGURES 9 and l0, time operation is modified by changing the reluctance of the iron circuit and by changing the ampere turns of the magnet, respectively. In FIGURE ll, the timer speed is changed by altering the flywheel thereof.

Now referring more particularly to FIGURE 1, which shows a typical recloser of the type illustrated in US. Patents 2,693,514 and 2,738,394. Recloser I9 comprises terminal I0 connected to magnet winding II. Winding Il is connected to the parallel combination of magnet winding 12 and contact assembly I3, this parallel combination then being connected in series with movable contact I4 which is movable in an open and closed position with respect to cooperating contact I5. During normal operation, current proceeds from terminal It through the magnet winding Ill', contact I3 (which is closed under normal conditions), movable Contact I4 and terminal I6.

Upon the occurrence of an overload, magnet winding Il will be energized beyond a predetermined value and in some desired manner, this overenergization will cause contact disengagement of the contacts I3 so as to force current flow through the winding I2. Winding I2, however, is so constructed to cause the movable Contact I4 to move to a disengaged position with respect to contact I5 upon energization thereof so as to effect disengagement of the contacts.

After the arc between separated contacts 14 and IS is interrupted, winding II is de-energized and contact I3 immediately closes. A timing mechanism, which is here merely illustrated as the box I7 and may be seen in more detail in conjunction with the above noted US. Patents 2,693,514 and 2,738,394, will allow a re-engagement between the recloser contacts.

In the event that the fault condition is still on the line, magnet winding II will again be energized beyond its predetermined value so as -to cause control contact I3 to reopen to thereby cause re-energization of coil I2 and a reopening of the contact I4.

This sequence is then continued for a predetermined number of times under a continuing fault condition until the timing mechanism I7 will lock the control contact I3 and the contacts I4 and I5 in a predetermined position.

Contact I4 is movable to disengaged position by manually operable means I9. If it is desired that the cyclic operation of contacts I4, IS to their open position responsive to fault conditions be defeatable, lever I8 of safety lockout device I7 is appropriately positioned. The construction of device I7 is described in detail in US. Patent 2,843,699. With the lockout lever it activated, the reclosing contacts I4, I5 will be maintained in open position upon their first movement thereto.

Loop Sectionnlzing A rrangemerzls In FIGURE 2, there is illustrated a power distribution system utilizing reclosers of the type illustrated in FIGURE 1, appropriately modified, as will be hereinafter explained. The distribution system is energized from separate voltage sources 20, ZI.

Source 2t? normally feeds .a bus divided into two sections, Ztitz and Zibb. Similarly, source 2li normally feeds a bus divided into two sections, Zia and ZIJ. One end of bus section 20a is connected through recloser 22a to source 2d, while the other end of bus section Zita is connected through recloser 23a to one end of bus section Zitb. The other end of bus section tlb is connected through tie recloser 2S to bus section Zlib. Bus sections Zia, ZIb are connected by recloser 231'), with bus section Zia being connected to source 2li through recloser 22h.

With the distribution system operating normally, tie recloser 25 is open and the other reclosers 22a, 22h, 23o, 23h, are closed and are connected for operation under normal tripping time characteristic, which is typical of reclosers well known to the art. The number of automatic reclosing operations and the time delay for the tripping operations are set forth below each of the reclosers illustrated in FIGURE 2.

Reclosers 23a, 23h and tie recloser 25 are each provided with a device, whose construction shall be hereinafter explained, which, acting in response to a loss of voltage on the source side of the respective reclosers, will cause the recloser mechanism to shift for operation under an alternate tripping time characteristic. rthe alternate tripping time characteristics of the reclosers are set forth in FIGURE 2 below the respective reclosers.

If a fault occurs at bus section 2te, recloser 22.11 goes through its normal tripping sequence and locks out so that service is lost from recloser 22b to tie recloser 25. After lockout of recloser 22h and a suitabie time delay, as will be hereinafter explained, means associated with recloser 23b senses the loss of voltage on the source side thereof, causing the lockout lever of recloser 23h to be activated, as will 1oe hereinafter explained. Recioser Z311 is not set for one instantaneous trip and lockout.

At the same time, means associated with tie recloser 25 also senses a loss of voltage and, after a suitable time delay, tie recloser 25 also closes. Now there is a complete circuit from source 2@ to the fault at bus section Zia. This causes recloser 23h to trip instantaneously and operate to lockout. Tie recloser 2e' and reclosers 22o, 23a may also trip instantaneously, but will reclose on nonfaulted portions of the distribution system, so that reclosers 25, 22a, 23a will remain closed after reclosing, thereby restoring service to all of the bus sections, Zita, Etib and 2Ib, between source 2t? and recloser 23h.

Should a fault occur at bus section ZIb, recloser 2311 goes through its normal reclosing sequence to lockout. Tie recloser 25 closes after a time delay and thereafter goes through its reclosing sequence and finally locks out, thereby isolating the fault between tie recloser 25 and recloser 23h.

For restoration to normal operation after repairing a faulted condition at bus section 2in, recloser ZZb is closed. The safety lockout lever of recloser 23!) is manually reset to return recloser 23h for operation under its normal tripping time characteristic. Recloser Zftb is then closed. The safety lockout lever of tie recloser 25 is reset and tie recloser 25 is opened, so that all of the reclosers are now in their normal positions and operating under their normal tripping time characteristics. Similar operations are required for restoration of service after a fault occurs on any of the other sec-tions of bus.

In FIGURE 3, there is illustrated a power distribution system loop sectionalizing arrangement which is an eX- tension of the sectionalizing arrangement previously described in connection with FIGURE 2. In the system of FIGURE 3, two voltage sources, 30, 31, energize two sections of bus which are connected by normally open tie recloser 32. Source normally energizcs bus sections 33a-33c, while source 31 normally energizes bus sections 34a-34C.

Reclosers 35a, 35b connect bus sections 33a, 34a, respectively, to voltage sources 30, 31, respectively. Reclosers 36a, 36b connect bus sections 33a, 33b and 34a, 34b, respectively, in electrical series. Reclosers 37a, 37b connect bus sections 33h, 33e and 34b, 34C, respectively, in electrical series. The time delay intervals for normal and alternate tripping characteristic operations are indicated below the respective reclosers in FIGURE 3. y

Whena fault occurs at bus section 34]), the sequence of operation is as follows:

(1) Recloser 36b opensafter live units of time.

(2) Recloser 37b, sensing a loss of voltage on i-ts line side, shifts for operation to its alternate tripping characteryistic time setting of two units of time.

(3) After seven units of time, tie circuit breaker 32 closes.

(4) After two additional units of time, recloser 37b opens, thereby isolating bus section 34b and restoring service to all remaining sections of bus.

It is obvious that through a similar sequence of operations, faults at any other location of the distribution system will be similarly isolated. The two radial sections left in service after the faulted section has been isolated will still be selectively protected until the reclosers arerestored to operation with their normal tripping time characteristics. y n

For the systems illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3, it is to be noted that for normal tripping characteristic operation those reclosers more remote from the tie recloser are provided with longer time delays. After a fault has been isolated, the tie recloser is coordinated with those reclosers operating with an alternate time characterstic as well as those reclosers associatedpwith the non-faulted bus, whereby sequential operation as to time and/ or magnitude of fault current is still maintained.

Sequence Changing Device In the loop sectionalizing system hereinbefore described, automatic reclosers are utilized to isolate the aulted bus sections. A number of these reclosers are provided with means for changing their operation from a normal tripping time characteristic to an alternate tripping time characteristic, responsive to an indication that there is a loss of voltage on the line side of the respective recloser. The sequence changing device 4t) for a normally closed recloser is illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 4A.

Device 40 comprises operating solenoid 41, energized through the secondary winding 42 of potentional transformer 43, whose primary winding 44 is connected from ground to the bus on the source side of the associated recloser. When Voltagefis present on the source side of the recloser, solenoid 41 is energized causing the solenoid plunger 45 to be maintained in itsraised position of FIG- URE 4 against the biasing action of spring 46.

Spring 46 is connected to the lowerend of plunger 45 while the upper end of plunger 45 is connected at 47 to link 48 at a point intermediate the ends thereof. One end of link'48 is mounted to stationary pivot 49, while the other end has pivotally mounted thereto pawl 50, which is biased by spring 51 into operative engagement withgear 52 of `timing mechanism 53. Mechanism 53 is of a construction well known to the art to provide a retarding influence to downward movement of plunger 45.

With solenoid 41 deenergized, spring 46 acts to move 6. plunger 45 downward. This downward movement, however, is delayed through the engagement of pawl 5t) with the timing mechanism gear 52. After a predetermined interval of time determined by the retarding influence of timing mechanism 53, plunger extension 54 strikes one arm of crank 55 causing rotation thereof in clockwise direction about fixed pivot 56 from the position of FIG- URE 4 to the position of FIGURE 4A. This causes link 57, whose upper end is tied to the other arm of crank 55 to move vertically upward.

The lower end of link 57 carries latch roller 58 which is disposed within depression 6b of latch member 59 when link 57 is in its lowermost position of FIGURE 4. Latch member 59 is pivotally mounted to fixed pivot 61 and is connected to arms 62, 63 in a manner such that these arms 62, 63 and latch member 59 pivot in unison about 61. When latch roller 58 is moved out of depression 6th, spring 64, acting downwardly, causes' arm 62 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction about pivot 61.

Vertically positioned operating link 65 is connected at its lower end 66 to arm 62 near the free end thereof.

The upper end of link 65 is connected at 67 to the safety lockout lever 68 or other suitable member of a recloser, as will be hereinafter explained. Thus, when arm 62 moves counterclockwise from its position of FIGURE 4 to its position of FIGURE 4A, operating link 65 is caused to move downward.

' kAs fully explained in U.S. Patent 2,843,699, when the safety lockout lever of a recloser is activated, upon subsequent tripping of the recloser the recloser will not go through a series of timed opening and closing operations. With operating link in the lowered position of FIGURE 4A, the recloser safety lockout lever is activated.

Timing mechanism 53 is provided to impose a time delay between the loss of voltage and the change of sequence from normal to alternate tripping characteristic operation. This time delay enables the recloser to maintain normal sequence for temporary loss of voltage, such as an open interval between the instantaneous and time delay trips of associated reclosers. Restoration of voltage before completion of the time delay period imposed by mechanism 53 automatically restores the timing mechanism to the ready position of FIGURE 4.

An auxiliary switch comprising cooperating contacts 72, '73 is provided and connected as shown for disconnecting solenoid 41 until the associated recloser is reset. A similar switch may be provided for signalling purposes. Auxiliary switch contact 72 is carried on one arm of crank 69, which is pivoted at point 70. Spring 71, acting upon crank 69 urging same in a counterclockwise direction, biases contact 72 toward engagement with contact 73. With operating link 65 in its lowered position, arm 63 engagescrank 69, rotating same in a clockwise direction against the force of spring 7l, causing Contact 72 to part from contact 73. Contacts 72, 73, when parted, will open the series circuit between solenoid 41 and the transformer secondary 42.

Device 4t) is reset when the recloser safety lockout lever 68 is moved to the inactive position. This is usually accomplished manually by a hook stick or similar device, or automatically by a suitable recloser attachment. Moving safety lockout lever 63 to the inactivey position of FIGURE 8 restores the associated recloser for operation under its normal tripping time characteristic and also permits the recloser to close. i

FIGURES 5 and 5A illustrate a device 70 for permitting y the closing of a tie circuit recloser upon a loss of voltage Solenoid plunger 82 is biased downwardly by spring 83 and the upper end of plunger 82 is connected at Sd to link 8'5" intermediate the ends thereof. One end of link SS is mounted to fixed pivot 66 and the other end is connected at 37 to pawl SS. Spring S9, connected between arm 85 and pawl 8S, biases the latter into operative engagement with gear 9@ of timing mechanism 91. Plunger extension 92 is positioned to engage and thereby rotate crank 93 clockwise about its pivot 94 upon downward movement of plunger 52.

Crank 93 is biased in a counterclockwise direction by spring 95, so that latch arm 96 is normally in the down position of FIGURE 5, wherein latch roller 97 is disposed within depression $8 of latch member 99, which is pivotally mounted at 1111i. Arms 101 and 1112 are also mounted to pivot 1111i and are connected to latch member 99 so that all three elements 99, 1111, 192 pivot in unison. Spring 1113 biases arm 1112 in a clockwise direction, thereby biasing operating link 104 secured to the free end of arm 1132 in an upward direction. Operating link 1M is connected to the recloser safety lockout lever 1115.

When arm 102 is rotated to its most clockwise position against stop 1116, arm 1111 engages crank 1117, pivoted at 1118, and moves same in a counterclockwise direction against the force of biasing spring 1119. Crank 1197 carries contact 11@ of auxiliary switch 111, which is serially connected between solenoid winding Si) and switch 79 so that opening of switch 111 is effective to open the energizing circuit for solenoid 81).

With operating link 1114 in its downward position of FIGURE 5, the recloser safety lockout lever maintains the tie recloser locked open, and upon movement of safety lockout lever to its position of FIGURE 5A, the tie recloser is closed and set for operation through a normal sequence. Thus it is seen that if potential transformer 71 is deenergized, solenoid 811 is directly deenergized and if potential transformer 72 is deenergized, auxiliary solenoid 76 is directly deenergized, which opens switch 79 to deenergize solenoid 811.

The timing mechanism 91 is so constructed that the downward movement of plunger 52, upon deenergization of solenoid Sti, is retarded notwithstanding the biasing action of spring S3. When latch roller 97 is finally removed from depression Xt, spring 1113 operates link 16d from the position of FIGURE 5 to the position of FiGURE 5A. This permits arm 1M to open switch 111 so that upon subsequent restoration of power to transformers 71, '72, solenoid S@ will remain deenergized.

Dual Tripping Time Characteristic Devices FIGURE 6 illustrates a first embodiment of an automatic recloser 1219 having dual tripping time characteristics. Recloser 121i is comprised of casing 121 having insulator bushings 122, 123 extending upwardly from the top thereof. Terminal 124 is connected through conductor 125 and normally closed main contacter 126 to one end of operating coil 127. The other end of coil 127 is connected through conductor 12S to switch 129.

Conductor 13d connects switch terminal 129 to terg minal 131 of switch 1332 whose other terminal 133 is connected through conductor 134i to coil tap 135. Conductor 136 connects switch terminal 131 to the lower end of coil 127.

Recloser 12d further includes two totally independent timer-integrators 137, 133, each of a conventional design well known to the automatic recloser art. Timer-integrators 137, 13S are associated with control coils 139, 1416i, respectively. The bridging contacts of switches 129, 132 are carried by the plungers of coils 139, 1411, respectively, so that upon energization of these respective coils their associated switches 129, 132 will be opened.

Coils 139, 1d@ are connected to terminals 141, 142, respectively, of switch 143. Switch arm 1li/i is pivoted at terminal so as to be movable between terminals S 141, 142. Conductor 146 connects switch terminal 145 to recloser terminal 147.

Switch arm 14d is connected through links 14S, 149 and 151i to a suitable operating device such as the device illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 4A. The free end of link 15@ may be connected to the upper end of Operating link 65 of FIGURES 4 and 4A. Link 150 is mounted to stationary pivot 151, having link 149 mounted thereon, Links 149, 150 are rigidly secured thereto for operation in unison about pivot 151. Thus, when link 15G is rotated in a counterclockwise direction through the upward movement of operating link 65, switch arm 144 will be moved `from its solid line position of FIGURE 6 to the dotted line position thereof.

In the dotted line position of switch arm 144 in FIG- URE 6, control coil 139 is energized, so that recloser 120 is set for operation, controlled by timer-integrator 137. When recloser 12@ is operating through the control of timer-integrator 137, it is said that recloser 12u is operating under its normal tripping time characteristic. When switch arm 144 is in the solid line position of FIGURE 6, control coil 1d@ is energized and recloser 120 is operating under the control of timer-integrater 138. When recloser 121i is thus operated, it is said to be operating under an alternate tripping time characteristic. That is, the characteristic operation dictated by timer-integrator 137 differs from the characteristic imparted by timerintegrator 138.

FIGURES 7 and 8 illustrate other embodiments of this invention directed to devices whereby the operation of a recloser may readily be changed from its normal tripping time characteristic to an alternate tripping time characteristic. In the aforesaid U.S. Patent 2,738,394, the device illustrated includes means for achieving time delayed tripping. The delay is imposed by a so-called time bar, which is a pivoted member carrying a plurality of adjusting screws. The screws are engageable with individual leaf springs. The greater the number of springs engaged by 4the time bar screws, the greater will be the retrading force acting upon the movable armature of a magnet energizable by fault current flowing through the recloser.

Now referring more particularly to FIGURE 7. Movable armature 150 is keyed to shaft 151, having hook extension 152 also keyed thereto. The hook 153 of extension 152 is in engagement with rod 15d of a suitable time delaying escapement mechanism. Shaft 151 is mounted to central clutch member 155 so as to be movable thereby into engagement with end clutch members 15541, 155i?. End clutch member 155a is provided with a plurality of leaf springs 156-153 mounted thereto. Fixedly mounted time bar 159 is operatively positioned above springs 15e-15S and is provided with plurality for adjusting screws, 1611-162, whose tips are engageable by springs 156-158, respectively.

With shaft 151 connected to end clutch member 155e, when the magnet associated with armature 15@ is sufciently energized to attract armature 155i thereto, springs 156-158 will imposed forces which must be overcome in moving armature 151i. These forces are not available to move members 154 of the timing mechanism, so that tripping is delayed. The time delay interval is adjustable by adjusting the positions of screws 1611-162 relative to their associated leaf springs 156-158.

Another time bar 169, having a plurality of adjusting screws 1711-172, is operatively positioned so lthat the tips of screws 1711-172 are engageable with leaf springs 173- 175, respectively, carried by end clutch member 155k.

A suitable switching arrangement, 176, which includes links 177479, is provided to selectively move central clutch member 155 and thereby operatively connect shaft 151 to one or the other of the outer clutch members 155e, 155b. Switch 176 is similar in construction to sequence changer 40, of FIGURES4 and 4A, with link 177 corresponding to operating link 65 thereof.

The settings of adjusting screws 160-162 are dilferent `from the settings of screws 170-172 with respect to their associated leaf springs and, in addition, the stiifness of springs 156-158 may differ from the stiffness of springs 173-175. Thus, different magnitudes of retarding forces act upon armature 150, depending upon the position of clutch member 155.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 8, a single time bar 200 is utilized. Time bar 200 is pivoted at one end upon stationary pivot 201. One end of vertical link 202 is connected to time bar 200 while the other end of link 202 yis connected to crank 203, pivotally mounted at 204 and connected to operating link 65 of operating characteristie changer 40. i

Adjusting screws 205-209 are mounted to time bar 200 and are operatively positioned for engagement by leaf springs 21S-219, respectively. Leaf springs 21S-219 are mounted to bracket 214 lixedly mounted to rotatable shaft 213, which also has iixedly mounted thereto armature 212 and arm 211. Hook 210 at the upper end of arm 211 is engageable with timer lever 209.

When control coil 220 associated with magnet 221 is sufficiently energized the ux generated thereby will attract armature 212, causing pivoting thereof in a counterclockwise direction with respect to pivot 213. This causes springs 215-219 to engage adjusting screws 205- 209, respectively, as armature 212 travels through its full Arange of movement. When time bar 200 is pivoted counterclockwise about pivot 201 to a raised position through the upward movement of link 202, caused by the downward movement of link 65, then only springs 218, 219 engage their associated adjusting screws 208, 209, respectively, as armature 212 travels through its full range of karmature 233 associated with control magnet 234. Link 231 corresponds to operating link 65 of FIGURES 4 and p 4A; and control magnet 234 might correspond to magnet 221 of a device similar to that of FIGURE 8. When link 232 is moved to the left with respect to FIGURE 9, auxiliary armature 233 moves toward magnet 234, thereby reducing the reluctance of the magnetic path and increasing the magnetic forces acting upon main armature 235, thereby increasing timer speed and decreasing the time delay interval.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 10, the sequence changing device 240 (similar in construction to sequence changer 40 of FIGURES 4 and 4A), acting through links 241, 242, operates switch arm 243, which is pivoted about contact 244 into and out of engagement with contact y245. With switch arm 243 in engagement with contact 245, a considerable portion of the control magnet energizying coil 246 will be shorted. This is the condition prevailing when the recloser is operating with a normal tripping time characteristic. When switch arm 243 separates from contact 245, the number of ampere turns energizing the control magnet is increased, thus increasing the timer speed and decreasing the time delay interval.

In the device of FIGURE l1, sequence changer 250 (similar in construction of sequence changer 40 of FIG- URES 4 and 4A) acts through links 251, 252 to selectively change the position of clutch 253, so that one or both of the timer flywheels 254, 255 drive the timing mechanism 256 toward runout.

Thus, this invention provides a simplified, relatively inexpensive arrangement for isolating a lfaulted section f of a power distribution system. The arrangement utilizes circuit breakers of the automatic reclosing type, slightly l0 modified so that they operate selectively with a normal tripping time characteristic or an alternate tripping time characteristic.

While the changing of the recloser koperating characteristic has heretofore been described in connection with an automatic loop sectionalizing system, it is to be understood that this type of recloser is not limited for use in such a system. That is, this type of recloser may be manuallyrset for operation under a selected one of its dual ratings as required for a particular application.

Although there has ben described preferred embodiments of this invention, many variations and modifications will now be evident to those skilled in the art and, therefore, the scope of this invention is to be limited not by the specic disclosure herein detailed, but only by the appended claims.

We claim:

l. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a first time delay tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second ytime delay tripping characteristic different from said irst characteristic for controlling the operation of said interruptor, switch means connected to both said irst and said second means for selecting which of said rst and second means said interrupter will operate under.

2. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including rst means for establishing a first time delay tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second time delay tripping characteristic different from said rst characteristic for controlling the operation of said interrupter, switch means connected to both said iirst and said second means for selecting which of said first and second means said interrupter Will operate under during a particular period; third means connected to said switch means for operating same in response to predetermined conditions of an electric distribution system in which said interrupter is connected.

3. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including lirst means for establishing a rst time delay tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second time delay tripping characteristic different from said 'first characteristic for controlling the operation of said interrupter, switch means connected to both said rst and said second means for selecting which of said tirst and second means said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; each of said first and said second means comprising a timer-integrator.

4. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means yfor establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; said first and said second means including a magnetically operable armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay means, said time delay means including third means secured to said armature and said iirst and second means for exerting forces opposing the movement of said second means and said armature caused by magnetic means.

5. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including iirst means for establishing a lirst tripping characteristic yand a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said iirst and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; said first and said second means including a magnetically operable armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time, delay means, a device including spring means for exerting forces opposing movement of said armature caused by magnetic means; said device further including an abutment means for said spring means upon movement of said armature, said abutment means being movable between a first and a second position upon operation of said switch means t ll whereby said abutment means is arranged at varying distances from said spring means so that forces of different magnitude are exerted by said spring means upon said armature.

6. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; said first and said second means including a magnetically operable armature moveable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay means, a device including means for exerting forces opposing movement of said armature caused by magnetic means, said spring means comprising a first and a second group of springs, said device further including a first and a second abutment means for said first and said second groups, respectively, said switch means comprising a clutch for operatively connecting said armature for operation against a retarding force established by one or the other of said groups of springs and its associated abutment.

7. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; said first and said second means including an armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay means, a magnet which when sufficiently energized exerts a moving force upon said armature, fourth means coupled to said armature and operable by said switch means for varying the magnitude of said moving force.

8. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; said first and said second means including an armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay means, a magnet which when sufficiently energized exerts a moving force upon said armature, fourth means coupled to said armature and operable by said switch means for varying the magnitude of said moving force, a multi-turn control coil for energizing said magnet, said fourth means being constructed to vary the number of turns of said coil effective to energize said magnet upon operation of said fourth means by said switch means.

9. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a rst tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period, said first and said second means including an armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time ldelay means, a magnet which when sufficiently energized exerts a moving force upon said armature, fourth means coupled to said armature and operable by said switch means for varying the magnitude of said moving force; a current carrying means for generating magnetic flux which energizes said magnet, said magnet and said fourth means comprising a path for said fiux, operation of switch means being effective to change the position of said fourth means relative to said magnet thereby varying the reluctance of said path to vary the force exerted by said magnet upon said armature.

10. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period, said first means including a mechanical timer mechanism normally operable at a first rate, said second means being constructed to be operatively connected to said timer mechanism by operation of said switch means and when so connected being effective to cause operation of said timer mechanism at a second rate differing from said first rate.

1l. An automatic reclosing circuit interrupter, including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period, said rst means including a mechanical timer mechanism normally operable at a first rate, said second means being constructed to be operatively connected to said timer mechanism by operation of said switch means and when so connected being effective to cause operation of said timer mechanism at a second rate differing from said first rate, said timer mechanism including a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, said second means comprising an auxiliary fiywheel rotatable about the first axis.

12. The combination as set forth in claim 11 in which each of said first and said second means comprises a timer-integrator.

13. The combination as set forth in claim 11 in which the first means and the second means of each of the interrupters includes a magnetically operable armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay means, a device including spring means for exerting forces opposing movement of said armature caused by magnetic means; said device further including an abutment means for said spring means, upon movement of said armature said abutment means being movable between a first and a second position upon operation of said switch means whereby said abutment means is varying distances from said spring means so that forces of different magnitude are exerted by said spring means upon said armature.

14. The combination as set forth in claim 11 in which the first means and the second means of each of the interrupters includes a magnetically operable armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay eans, a device including spring means for exerting forces opposing movement of said armature caused by magnetic means, said spring means comprising a first and a second group of springs, said device further including a first and a second abutment means for said first and said second groups, respectively, said switch means comprising a clutch for operatively connecting said armature for operation against a retarding force established by one or the other of said groups of springs and its associated abutment.

15. The combination as set forth in claim 11 in which the first and the second means of each of said interrupters includes an armature movable against a retarding force exerted by a time delay means, a magnet which when sufficiently energized exerts a moving force upon said armature, fourth means coupled to said armature and operable by said switch means for varying the magnitude of said moving force.

16. The combination as set forth in claim 15 in which there is a multi-turn control coil for energizing said magnet, said fourth means coupled to said armature and being constructed to shunt a number of turns of said coil effective to energize said magnet upon operation of said fourth means by said switch means.

17. The combination as set forth in claim 15 in which there is a current carrying means for generating magnetic flux which energizes said magnet, said magnet and said fourth means comprising a path for said flux, operation of switch means being effective to change the position of said fourth means relative to said magnet thereby varying 13 the reluctance of said path to vary the force exerted by said magnet upon said armature.

18. The combination as set forth in claim 11 in which the first means includes a mechanical timer mechanism operable at a first rate and in which the second means is constructed to be operatively connected to said timer mechanism by operation of said switch means and when so connected being effective to cause operation of said timer mechanism at a second rate differing from said first rate.

19. The combination as set forth in claim 18 in which the timer mechanism includes a ywheel rotatable about 14 a irst axis, said second means comprising an auxiliary flywheel rotatable about the iirst axis.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,795,198 Connell Mar. 3, 1931 2,172,950 Anderson Sept. 12, 1939 2,282,348 Thumin May 12, 1942 2,544,519 Wood Mar. 6, 1951 2,796,055 Wallace Oct. 30, 1956 2,994,805 Nash Aug. 1, 1961 UNITED STATES PATENT oEFIcE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Datent No .,3 ,152 ,286 October 6 1964 Everett J. Field et al.,

lt is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column l2, lines 26, 29, 42 and 56, and column 13, line 3, for "The combination as set forth in claim 1l in which", each occurrence, read In combination, a first and a second bus, a normally open circuit breaker of the automatic reclosing type, which when closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normally closed automatic circuit interrupter connected to said first and said second buses, respective-ly, intermediate the ends thereof; each of said interrupters including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions for operating said switch means of a selected one of said interrupters, means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions for closing said circuit breaker; said circuit breaker having an operating characteristic sequentially coordinated with the first operating characteristic of the non-selected interrupters and the second operating characteristic of the selected interrupter whereby a faulted section of bus is isolated and all other bus sections remain energized; wherein Signed and sealed this lst day of June 1965.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD Jo BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents UNTTED STATES PATENT UFFICI; CERTIFICATE OE CORRECTION .Datent No.,3,l52,286 October 6, 1964 Everett J. Eield et alo lt is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column l2, lines 26, 29, 4Z and 56, and column 13, line 3, for "The combination as set forth in claim ll in which", each occurrence, read In combination, a first and a second bus, a normally open circuit breakerI of the automatic reclosing type, which when closed serially connects said buses, a first and a second normally closed automatic circuit interrupter connected to said first and said second buses, respectively, intermediate the ends thereof; each of said interrupters including first means for establishing a first tripping characteristic and a second means for establishing a second tripping characteristic, switch means connected to both said first and said second means for selecting which of said characteristics said interrupter will operate under during a particular period; means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions for operating said switch means of a selected one of said interrupters, means responsive to predetermined circuit conditions for closing said circuit breaker; said circuit breaker having an operating characteristic sequentially coordinated with the first operating characteristic of the non-selected interrupters and the second operating characteristic of the selected interrupter whereby a faulted section of bus is isolated and all other bus sections remain energized; wherein Signed and sealed this lst day of June 1965.

(SEAL) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J BRENNER Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. AN AUTOMATIC RECLOSING CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER, INCLUDING FIRST MEANS FOR ESTABLISHING A FIRST TIME DELAY TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC AND A SECOND MEANS FOR ESTABLISHING A SECOND TIME DELAY TRIPPING CHARACTERISTIC DIFFERENT FROM SAID FIRST CHARACTERISTIC FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF SAID INTERRUPTER, SWITCH MEANS CONNECTED TO BOTH SAID 